[Harp-L] Seydel 1847 stainless steel reed harmonica

[fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is by far the best stock out of the box harmonica I've ever played. 
 I took the plunge and bought all 4 of the available keys, G, A, Bb, 
and C.  They are very airtight and responsive.  Overblows work just fine 
on all of the easy holes.  The bodies are sealed maple.  The coverplates 
are vey open but without the side vents of a Marine Band 10 hole.  I can 
see that I will have a problem with the coverplates  I have an odd grip 
and it stresses the centre of the coverplates.  I'll end up crushing 
this coverplate flat in no time.  I've already deflected the G in less 
than 5 minutes playing time.  The combs are longer than an 1896 and 
perhaps a tad thicker.  The hole spacing ends up being wider because the 
holes themselves are larger.  The holes themselves are neither square 
nor circular.  They are somewhat of a hybrid being more square than not 
but being relieved in the centre.  They are a lot larger in overall 
volume than the Marine Band comb.  The tuning appears to be neither 
equal nor JI.  Certainly no very flat 5 and 9 draw.  Some very pretty 
chording available on the lower end.  The middle octave not so pretty. 
This is a very loud harmonica with very even response and set up.

I'm very curious to see what a tuning that reflects more closely my 
playing style and a little bit of set up work will do for this 
harmonica.  If I can solve my cover plate issue and the reeds really do 
last towards the forever end of the spectrum this is going to be a very 
tough harmonica to beat.  It is the only harmonica I've ever bought that 
out of the box I'd play in a gigging situation.  It's not perfect but 
it's close enough in terms of what I need out of a harmonica that I 
wouldn't be distracted by issues of playability.

Bear in mind this is just an initial assessment.  I'll report back as I 
get more time in on these 1847's.  Pretty much the only harmonicas I've 
ever played that I like as well have been pre war Marine Bands.  fjm